I have this thing: I can’t get off a bus without thanking the driver. I started doing it when I was little (my parents were big on manners), and it just stuck. By now, it’s a reflex. I say it if the driver is rude or reckless, if he or she is too busy or too preoccupied to hear me, even if I get off the back door (in that case, I yell it). Other riders say it doesn’t even cross their minds. Why thank someone for doing her job? …

With the help of a few cool, food- and drink-minded folks from TCC, Bus Nerd and I threw a party last night. Early in the evening, I learned that one of our guests was well acquainted with Metro’s Operator of the Year, John Fabre (known to most of you as Busfather). A short phone call (and short walk–turns out he lives right down the street) later, Busfather was standing in my living room. I even have proof: …